Wild Coco – Zhng-ed Up Plates of Malaysian-Style Nasi Lemak in Boon Keng!

Nasi lemak fans have probably heard of The Coconut Club for their fancy and yummy platters of nasi lemak but, personally, it’s a bit of a hit on my bank account. Lucky for me, swooping in to save the day is Wild Coco that serves up more affordably-priced renditions of Malaysian-style nasi lemak but is in no way inferior when it comes to taste. 

Located along 122 McNair Road, the open-air eatery shares its space with Bugis Xin Yuan Ji Fish Soup. You can opt for a seat inside, or grab a table outside(still sheltered from the blazing hot sun). 

While they do serve your basic nasi lemak ($5.80) that comes without the extra trimmings, I recommend the more elaborate plates of Ayam Berempah ($9.80) which comes with a choice of chicken leg or breast, Ayam Rendang ($11.80) or Fried Fish ($9.80). 

Spruce up your meal with wok-kissed side dishes that include Nyonya Assam Eggplant ($7.80), Stir Fry Lady Finger ($7.80), Stir Fry Three French Bean with Chye Poh ($7.8) or all three in the Stir Fry Three Heavenly King ($9.80). 

I opted for the Ayam Berempah that came with a massive chicken leg sporting a gorgeously crispy brown skin. The chicken had been marinated in a mix of fragrant spices such as lemongrass and ginger. Along with it came the perennial inclusions of fluffy coconut rice, sunny side-up and a generous smattering of peanuts and ikan bilis. 

Because of the whole fiasco over fresh chicken exports, Wild Coco turned to using frozen chicken for the time being instead of their usual fresh chicken legs. While the chicken wasn’t very tender or clean-tasting, the chicken meat wasn’t too tough and the well-seasoned skin definitely saved the day. 

The coconut rice was aromatic enough and was made even better when mixed with their house-made sambal, concocted with more than ten ingredients. Expect a fiery heat that lingers! I also loved how crisp the ikan bilis was! 

I also decided to get the Sambal Fried Fish ($10.80), where the main star of the show is an entire kembong fish, fried to a crisp and slathered with a different sambal mix of chillies and various spices. Those who have a bone to pick with, well, proteins with bones might struggle a little with the fine bones of the fish. Otherwise, the clean flavours of the white flesh will prove satisfying. 

What stood out for me was the sambal used here — it brought forth a pleasant spiciness that crept up on me, and it’s spiked with hints of tanginess that paired well with the fish. 

Their sunny side-up is also worth a mention; just look at that runny, bright yellow yolk! 

Wash all the flavours down with local classics like kopi ($1.40 for hot, $1.50 for cold), teh ($1.40 for hot, $1.50 for iced), milo ($1.80 for hot, $2 for cold), chrysanthemum ($1.40 for hot, $1.50 for cold), or even specialties like the Double Grass ($3.50) that features lemongrass and grass jelly, and Coolz Lychee ($5.80) jazzed up with the refreshing taste of mint. 

Wild Coco has also recently added a dessert section to their menu that sees a mix of local treats such as Kueh Bingka ($1.80) and Kueh Ko Swee ($1.80) sourced from a home business, and fusion items like the Nanyang Affogato ($4.80) that combines kopi O and coconut ice cream. 

My personal favourite was the Royal Bingka Ice Cream ($9.80). While the coconut ice cream was slightly icy in the middle, it was still fairly smooth and creamy. I especially couldn’t stop going for the kueh bingka that had a crispy crust on the surface. It was also very soft, not too sweet, and all-around yummy. 

Wild Coco is definitely an affordable choice if you’re looking for generous and bougie nasi lemak that’s worth every penny. Just be sure to come by before the lunch crowd comes pouring in!

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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